I've been told teasingly that my hurricane blog is boring. Want excitement and sensationalism? Watch the news. Nothing sensational here yet. Let's hope it stays that way.

By the way, I am now dubbing Hurricane Ike "The Hunker Down Hurricane". The mayor of Houston told people to "shelter in place, or as we say in Texas, 'hunker down'" and everyone has picked up on that phrase. Kinda funny.

Please excuse the digression from disability topics, but I am going to use this space to give updates on Hurricane Ike.

If you don't know, I live in Houston, and we have a hurricane headed this way.

They have evacuated some places nearer the coast, but they've told my area to shelter-in-place (or "hunker down" as they say in Texas). I have supplies, I have done what precautions I can, and I'm just riding it out.

Want to hear the latest show, but you're not near an Internet connection? You can call 712-318-9949 and the latest Disability411 episode will play! Note, long distance charges may apply.

I am so excited that our list of contributors is expanding. I am now proud to add Marcus Engle to the list, as well as hopefully someone from Disaboom. I will be adding a "Disability411 Family" page to recognize these wonderful listeners, as well as a "Volunteer" page in case you would like to get involved!

Ok, so you know I encouraged you to go buy "Digital Magic" and "The Case of the Pitcher's Pendant" on August 8, 2008 from Amazon if you like fantasy or like to support podcast novelists. Well, these two amazing authors (Phillipa Ballentine and Tee Morris, respectively) have released these books FREE as a PDF. I'm attaching them here. Download them, post them, share them with your friends. And if you like them, consider thanking the authors by buying the print version from Amazon on August 8, 2008.

We'll be back to disability news soon!

-Beth